The Art of Letter Writing

Today, we’re linking you up with a post on a blog I frequent in my (quickly-diminishing) spare time: artofmanliness.com. The Art of Manliness is a blog typically devoted toward hobbies and interests associated with a classical gentleman–things like how to properly wear a suit, gentlemanly etiquette, tips for job interviews, and so on. Today’s article is one that men and women alike can benefit from: The Art of Letter Writing.

Writing letters properly is quickly becoming a lost art. Brett McKay, author of The Art of Manliness, writes,

In the days of cell phones, email, and text messages, letter writing can seem hopelessly outdated. But it’s an art worth bringing back, and not because of some misplaced sense of nostalgia either. The writing and reception of letters will always offer an experience that modern technology cannot touch. Twitter is effective for broadcasting what you’re eating for lunch, and email is fantastic for quick exchanges on the most pertinent pieces of information. But when it comes to sharing one’s true thoughts, sincere sympathies, ardent love, and deepest gratitude, words traveling along an invisible superhighway will never suffice.

When I was a young home school student, most of my English workbooks included extensive sections and drills on properly writing, addressing, mailing, and replying to letters. However, the only person I know who sends handwritten, personal letters anymore is my wife’s grandmother. Yikes!

In a technology-driven world dominated by “words” such as “LOL,” “OMG,” and “Pwnz0r’d for the win,” reviving the art of the handwritten letter doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

About David Cox

David is a former home school student. In 2007 he graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with a bachelors degree in Business Administration. He currently works as Education Alliance's primary IT employee, webmaster, and blogger. David and his wife live in Little Rock.